Women of Bhakti
By Producer Jahnava Hausner & Filmmaker Hilary Tapper
Brij Productions/Mantrology
Women of Bhakti is a narrative investigating what it means to be a woman on the Bhakti, or devotional, path featuring visions of colorful India with interviews from well-known figures including Shiva Rea, Sara Ivanhoe, and the late Yamuna Devi, to whom the film is dedicated. The male voices in the interviews demonstrate how highly-admired women are in the movement. From honoring the mothers of the house to the divine love affair between Radha and Krishna who stand at the center of this path, it is evident that the feminine force holds a strong position of love and strength.
“There is no more powerful force in all spiritual or material existence than love. So there is this love affair at the center of existence…and we’re all part of that,” explains Radhanath Swami on the importance of both masculine and feminine natures. As words often fall short of heartfelt expression, perhaps the most moving part of the film is found towards its end with the image of a young woman dancing expressively to classical Indian music. Within her movements, one witnesses both the pangs and the joys of what it means to be at the center of this cosmic love affair.
No matter where one may lie on the path—from a longtime devotee to simply someone who is curious—Women of Bhakti provides insight.
Reviewed by Vanessa Harris
Women of Bhakti will be screening at Bhakti Fest in Joshua Tree in September: bhaktifest.com.
